We check in with people at each stage of the cash transfer process to see how things are going. Take a look at some of their stories as they appear here in real-time.
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2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($492 USD)
access_time almost 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is different than how it was before because through financial support I managed to purchase a piece of land. It has been my desire to own it but due to the financial hardships that I was facing, I couldn't afford it. I am a happy parent now because besides being an asset it will be future dwelling for my children. Also, I am currently sleeping comfortably on a nice bed and I no longer complain of back pains neither the sleepless nights. To add to that the goats that I am rearing in my compound will be of great help especially for my children's education.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly does well in all their roles in my entire region. This is because the majority of us now own livestock, decent shelters, businesses, and others. This still feels like a dream to us because were it not for the help from the organization, our lives would have not changed this much. Therefore I do not see any part GiveDirectly failed us
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I sent part of my second transfer on buying seven goats at a total of KES 28000. It has always been my wish to own them but I could not afford them becasue they were too expensive. Also, I bought beddings which include a wooden bed and a mattress these were to replace the old beddings such as torn mats. I also purchased a piece of land whereby I am now doing my agricultural activities without leasing other people's farm. With the remaining amount of money, I bought enough foods
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($493 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I can still remember vividly when I was heading to the farm when I heard my phone vibrating continuously. upon checking, I found out that it was an Mpesa message from GiveDirectly. I felt so happy and I have never been that happy before. I definitely knew that I would achieve most of my goals.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Having the pair of oxen that I recently bought makes the biggest difference in my daily life. This is because the pair will be of great help to me and my family in numerous ways. One in my agricultural activities, previously I used to plough my land using my own hands which were so tiring and time-consuming. At times I would hire someone to conduct the exercise for me which was very expensive and most of the time I could not afford it. I feel it is now a huge relief because I will be able to prepare the farm in good time and also the pair can take fewer days in ploughing my farm. This is a guarantee that I will be getting plenty of harvests. Also, the pair will also help me in carrying water from the dams which are very far from the village.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying a pair of oxen and an ox plough. I opted to purchase them so that they could help in my farming activities. Also, I bought a piece of land in the nearby village since the current one is small and most of the time I normally lease from friends which is so expensive To add to that, I used the remaining amount to buy food and some decent clothes for my family.
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means a better sleep because I will be able to buy a bed and a mattress in order to replace the old ones that I currently own. To accomplish this, I plan to spend 12000 shillings. I will also spend 24000 shillings to buy 8 goats to start livestock keeping that can assist me in the future whenever needs arise and this will mean a dependable life. Unlike of now where I depend most on my sons who also have more burden of responsibilities in their households.
What is the happiest part of your day?
I usually spend the better part of my day doing farm work in the morning and the charcoal work in the afternoon. This means the great portion of my day is tiresome to me and I only get time to rest in the evening. The resting gives me the feeling of being rejuvenated and hence, my happiest part of the day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
I majorly depend on charcoal burning as the source of income in order to get my daily meals. This means without involved in this venture, I will be forced to get help from my sons whose support is inconsistent and sometimes I go hungry the whole day without eating. Therefore, the lack of a reliable source of income is my biggest hardship.
